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Pathways

Dear Fellow Traveler,

Welcome to Pathways at First United Methodist Church. We are excited when people join our church but are even more excited when people engage in a lifelong journey of discipleship. Jesus says “Follow me.” John Wesley took Jesus’ call literally and it changed the world. Wesleyan’s have seen Christ’s invitation as two-fold.
  • To Grow in Piety
    • Gather together to hear the word proclaimed,
      • Study the scriptures,
        • And engage in Christian conferencing
  • To Grow in Mercy
    • Feed the hungry,
      • Educate the illiterate,
        • Visit the prisoner,
          • And heal the sick
When you join the church you pledge your time, talents, gifts, service, and witness. The church in turn promises to provide opportunities for you to mature in faith. To help you with your pledge we encourage you to grow in your discipleship through Pathways.

We are inviting everyone to begin by taking the class “A Disciples Path: Deepening Your Relationship With Christ And The Church.” From that point on the journey will be unique for each traveler (even though Pathways might suggest a linear progression). Pathways consists of:
 
Hearing the Call – A Disciple’s Path
Setting Out
Journeying Along
Climbing Higher

Each level along the journey includes both educational and outreach opportunities to help keep a healthy balance of piety and mercy. Each level calls for a greater commitment and presents a great challenge, but also draw us further along that pathway of discipleship.

You might be setting out for the very first time with basic questions and little experience. The opportunities in Setting Out is the place to head. If you have been on the path for a while, Journeying Along might be just for you, and if you are really ready for a challenge move to Climbing Higher. Of course you might be somewhere in between. It’s perfectly okay to take a class in the Journeying Along section, while reaching for a service opportunity in Climbing Higher. Remember, everyone’s journey will be different – and that’s wonderful!

Multiple options in each level of Pathways will be offered throughout the year. Watch for specific offerings on-line, in the Pulse, and in the bulletin. You’ll be able to select the appropriate offering by looking for the symbol associated with the level you are on (or stretching toward).

We hope that you will engage yourself in the journey and participate in Pathways. If you put your heart into the process, we will do all we can to help you along the way. If you have any questions or need anything, please let us know. As fellow travelers we want to help!

Blessings on your journey,
Rev. Tish Bowman